Leeds United’s squad remains intact five days into the January transfer window but after the summer’s surprise fire sale of the club’s most-prized assets, it would be of no surprise to see others go.
The likes of Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray and Glen Kamara all left Elland Road in the summer after proving to be key members. Those on loan, didn’t stay and others left on free transfers.
It meant Leeds needed to rebuild in the summer and eight new signings arrived. That happens again next summer if the Yorkshire side fail to gain promotion with many of Daniel Farke’s side attracting interest.
Illan Meslier, Junior Firpo, Max Wober, Pascal Struijk, Joe Gelhardt and Patrick Bamford all have generated interest ahead of a possible January exit and now, the representatives of one player are preparing a move.
Junior Firpo’s camp ‘laying the groundwork’ ahead of Leeds exit
Firpo has been excellent under Daniel Farke. After a tricky initial couple of seasons that saw Firpo endure numerous injuries and managers, he’s finally found some consistency coinciding with Farke’s style of play.
Currently injured, Firpo could return against Sheffield Wednesday. But it might not be much longer that he remains on the books at Elland Road, with Real Betis leading the chase to sign Firpo on a free transfer.
Indeed, Besiktas also want Firpo. But TeamTalk now say that Firpo’s camp are ‘laying the groundwork’ over a possible return to Betis, where he broke through at academy level and played nearly 50 senior games.
It is reported that Firpo remains open to a new deal at Elland Road, but that Leeds have made no moves over extending his contract. Of course, Firpo’s current deal expires in June and he could leave on a free.
Junior Firpo – do Leeds keep him, or do they let him go?
Firpo is now three and a half years into his Leeds career. But in that time, he has only played 100 times for the club and is again, injured. This season, he has also missed four league games due to suspensions.
There is no doubt that Firpo has shown his best form at Leeds under Farke, but the caveat being that that form has come in the Championship. There are still question marks over Firpo’s ability to properly defend.
As aforementioned, Firpo is likely to be on a big wage. Salary Sport say that after Premier League wage reductions, his salary is still £30,000 a week and that will go up should Leeds get promoted, via bonuses.
Can Leeds really afford to keep an injury-prone, often-suspended left-back that has question marks when it comes to defending in the Premier League on a big wage? Or is it best for all to let him leave in June.
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